Data Sources and Methodology
The 3rd edition of the Research.com Best Universities in Belgium Ranking is founded upon thorough bibliometric analysis, primarily utilizing data from OpenAlex and CrossRef, complemented by numerous additional reputable data sources. The bibliometric data leveraged for the calculation of citation-based metrics in this ranking was collected as of 2024-11-27.
A university's position in the ranking is determined by aggregating the D-indexes (Discipline H-index) of all scholars affiliated with the institution who are featured in the ranking. The D-index is a strictly discipline-specific metric, accounting only for publications and citation data pertaining to the relevant scientific discipline. However, scientists from all major research domains were included to ensure a comprehensive evaluation in the ranking process.
Scope of the Research
The ranking's expansive scope covers the profiles of 279,971 scientists, systematically identified from various bibliometric data sources and examined across all major scientific disciplines. In order to ensure a high standard of scientific impact, only researchers with a D-index of at least 20 were considered for inclusion. Beyond bibliometric indicators, notable awards and achievements in the respective fields of study were also factored into the evaluation.
Verification Process and Additional Considerations
At Research.com, we recognize that raw bibliometric data should not be viewed as an absolute measure of scholarly impact. In keeping with this understanding, every scientist profile included in the ranking underwent thorough manual verification and cross-correlation with publications listed in a wide selection of trustworthy sources.
Although the number of papers published in prominent journals and conference proceedings does not directly affect a researcher’s standing in the Research.com ranking, it remains a valuable secondary signal of an individual's contribution to their field. The positions within the ranking are determined using each researcher’s H-index, as sourced from OpenAlex and CrossRef, two of the most reliable and widely respected bibliometric databases available to the academic community.
We invite interested readers to explore a comprehensive description of the methodology applied to construct this ranking on our methodology page.
Research.com Agenda and Mission
The underlying mission of Research.com in creating these rankings is to inspire the scientific community, business leaders, and policymakers worldwide to identify and follow where proven experts and thought leaders are directing their research efforts. Our objective is to offer an accessible tool for the global research community to discover the leading specialists in every discipline, across different countries, and within individual academic institutions. Through this ranking, we strive to foster greater visibility for academic excellence and further the advancement of science worldwide.
